Darian Baskatawang

Darian Baskatawang is an Associate at OKT and Class Counsel for the First Nations Drinking Water Class Action settlement agreement. He is a two-spirit Anishinaabe man of the Loon clan in Whitesand First Nation.

Darian grew up on a small reserve in northern Ontario, surrounded by the wisdom and care of cousins, aunties, uncles, grandmas and grandpas. He was mentored by his community’s advocates and attended meetings on behalf of Whitesand from an early age, first starting at the age of 13.

As a young advocate, Darian volunteered as a youth representative for the Independent First Nations and Chiefs of Ontario on top of his school work. Like many Indigenous youth, Darian advocated with community in mind and considerations for how children and youth can achieve their full potential. As representative from the Independents, Darian sat on the Leadership Council of the Chiefs of Ontario and maintained portfolios in education, child welfare, and justice. He focused on advocacy for children and youth believing that they alone are our fortune and sole hope for the future. Darian is guided by values and principles his great-grandmother taught him, which knit Indigenous nations together: kindness, humbleness, respect, collaboration and laughter.

After a few years as a youth representative from the Independent First Nations and Chiefs of Ontario, Darian began further advocacy in roles advising federal and provincial cabinet ministers, and the leaders of both orders of government.

He has held roles working in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada and advising former Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne.

Darian maintains a broad practice in First Nations governance and jurisdiction, class actions, child welfare, land claims and community emergency matters.